OpenAI's built-in image generator for ChatGPT is now available to free users

ChatGPT's built-in image generation feature is now available to everyone. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said last week that the company is delaying its rollout to free tier "for a while," because the tool was way more popular than they had expected. But the company made the feature available to free users over the weekend, allowing them to generate images from within ChatGPT and without having to switch to OpenAI's DALL-E generator. Prior to its rollout to the free tier, the tool was only available to Plus, Pro and Team subscribers. 

Altman previously said that free users will get a limit of three images per day. Based on our experience trying it out, some accounts are limited to just one a day. Those who find themselves able to generate more than one will still have to wait anywhere between a few minutes and a few hours. One of the tool's most popular uses that we've seen so far is the creation of Ghibli-style images using real-life photos. Users simply have to upload the photo they want to use and then instruct ChatGPT in natural language to create a Ghibli-style version of it. The trend had raised concerns, yet again, about the legality of using copyrighted work as training data for artificial intelligence. It also resurfaced the reaction of Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli's founder, upon being shown AI-generated animation years ago. "I strongly feel that this is an insult to life itself," the director said. 

In a tweet, Altman said that the tool could still exhibit erratic behavior and could refuse some generations that should be allowed. OpenAI is still fixing the issue. The company also told TechCrunch that it "takes action" if a generated image violates company guidelines, though it didn't exactly detail about what those actions are.

Creating and customizing images is as simple as chatting using GPT‑4o—just describe what you need, including any specifics like aspect ratio, exact colors using hex codes, or a transparent background. pic.twitter.com/fnen1aDjNZ

— OpenAI (@OpenAI) March 25, 2025

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/openais-built-in-image-generator-for-chatgpt-is-now-available-to-free-users-120003146.html?src=rss https://www.engadget.com/ai/openais-built-in-image-generator-for-chatgpt-is-now-available-to-free-users-120003146.html?src=rss
Created 3mo | Apr 1, 2025, 12:30:10 PM


Login to add comment

Other posts in this group

It's the last day to get two months of Paramount+ access for only $2

Another hot streaming deal is here to match the summer heat. This time is comes fro

Jul 13, 2025, 11:40:04 AM | Engadget
The Cult of the Lamb comic is coming back with the Schism Special this fall

We're officially getting more of the Cult of the Lamb comic expansion. Following last year's miniseries, which built on the game's existing lore and injected some real emotional depth, wri

Jul 12, 2025, 9:40:13 PM | Engadget
Grok team apologizes for the chatbot's 'horrific behavior' and blames 'MechaHitler' on a bad update

The team behind Grok has issued a rare apology and explanation of what went wrong after X's chatbot began

Jul 12, 2025, 7:30:05 PM | Engadget
Nintendo reportedly bans Switch 2 user playing preowned game cards

You might have to be extra careful who you buy your used Nintendo Switch game cards from if you don't want to get mistakenly banned. A Nintendo Switch 2 owner

Jul 12, 2025, 7:30:04 PM | Engadget
Meta reportedly closes deal to buy AI voice replicator PlayAI

Meta has finalized the agreement to purchase Play AI

Jul 12, 2025, 5:10:12 PM | Engadget
This HDMI mod lets you play Nintendo Switch Lite on a big screen

If you can't get your hands on the latest

Jul 12, 2025, 5:10:11 PM | Engadget
The best Prime Day Apple deals on iPads, AirPods, MacBooks and more still available today

There’s a reason Apple gear is so in demand. After reviewing nearly every major device out there, our current favorite

Jul 12, 2025, 2:40:19 PM | Engadget